Electricity generation losses N11.37bn in two weeks

Electricity generation in the country took a downward trend in the last two weeks as generation companies, GENCOS lost about N11.37 billion cumulatively, while power loss amounted to 1,293 megawatts, MW, data obtained from the Nigerian Electricity System Operator, a section of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, shows.

Source: NBS

Much of the amount was lost in the third week of month, when N7.35 billion was recorded, as against N4.01 billion recorded the previous week. The third week also had much of the loss in terms of power supply as it recorded 1,151mw loss, as against 142mw recorded the previous week. As has been observed in the past, the losses were been attributed to gas and water constraints. There were reported increased gas constraints at Omotosho I and II, Olorunsogo, Alaoji NIPP, Geregu I, Geregu NIPP, while increased line constraints were reported on Gbarain NIPP, Ibom and Olorunsogo 1. Also, high frequency due to loss of distribution companies, DisCo feeders remained a significant constraint to generation

Within the period under review partial collapse occurred as recorded on July 19 2017. Increasing high frequency constraints led to reduced generation.Generation was limited at Okpai due to mechanical problems, while Egbin ST5 tripped due to Egbin/Ikorodu line tripping. Also,evacuation at Odukpani plant impeded by Calabar – Ikot Ekpene line was recorded within the period under review.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has said that the challenges of the power sector in Nigeria are man made and not technical. Fashola, who made the statement at the University of Lagos, said there was no mystery in achieving stable and reliable electricity supply but that all stakeholders must conform to guidelines of the sector’s roadmap. He said the roadmap was aimed at getting incremental, stable and uninterrupted power but that achieving set targets required step-by-step approach. He cited sabotage in governance; non-payment of tariff, poor investment, among others as some of the challenges frustrating the power sector. The minister noted that the issue of stable power was characterised by many years of broken promises but added that the sector was making progress. “If men and women created these problems, in my view only men and women can solve them. You and I have a role to play, I have stood up to play my role, have you?” he asked rhetorically.